DMV high school football preseason top 10

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — It’s a new season of high school football, and it kicks off next week! Before week 1 begins, take a look at the DC News Now sports department’s high school football preseason top ten teams in the DMV.

1. Good Counsel – Last season: 10-1 (Won WCAC title)

After winning the WCAC over DeMatha in 2023, Good Counsel comes in at No. 1 in our preseason rankings, and are looking to go back-to-back in 2024.

2. DeMatha – Last season: 9-2 (Lost in WCAC Final)

The Stags have lost in the WCAC final two straight seasons. They come in at No. 2, as they will once again be in contention for the top spot all year.

3. St. John’s – Last season: 5-5 (Lost in WCAC semis)

2023 was a down season for the Cadets. However, with a plethora of D1 talent, St. John’s sits at No. 3 in our preseason rankings, below two teams they lost to a season ago.

4. Quince Orchard – Last season: 9-1 (Lost in MPSSAA playoffs, second round)

If you think losing to their rival Northwest in the playoffs last season will not light a fire under this program, then you just don’t know Quince Orchard. The Cougars come into 2024 as our highest ranked public school, and will look to get back to winning state titles.

5. Friendship Collegiate – Last season: 11-2 (Won DCSAA AA title)

Friendship Collegiate comes in at No. 5 in our preseason rankings. In 2023, the Knights only losses were to nationally-ranked St. John Bosco (CA) and Gonzaga in overtime. They look to defend their DCSAA AA crown this season.

6. Madison – Last season: 12-2 (Lost in VHSL Class 6 state semis)

The Warhawks have won four straight 6D region titles. The only negative you can say about this program is that they have lost to the eventual state champion team four years in a row. Coming into 2024, Madison is the highest ranked program in northern Virginia.

7. C.H. Flowers – Last season: 9-2 (Lost in MPSSAA playoffs, 2nd round, by forfeit)

In 2023, Flowers was forced to forfeit their second round playoff game due to an issue involving an ineligible player on their roster. This season, the Jaguars come in at No. 7 in our preseason rankings, as they look to overcome last year’s adversity and contend for a state title.

8. Hayfield – Last season: 6-5 (Lost in VHSL Class 6 playoffs, first round)

Former Freedom-Woodbridge head coach Darryl Overton is now at the helm for Hayfield, which immediately makes them a title contender in the state of Virginia. After winning back-to-back titles with the Eagles the past two seasons, Overton and the Hawks now have the same aspirations in 2024.

9. Gonzaga – Last season: 6-5 (Lost in WCAC semis)

Head coach Randy Trivers always has his guys ready to go. It’s been a while since the Eagles have won the WCAC, and it won’t get any easier this year. They come in at No. 9 in our rankings, and the 4th WCAC team on the list.

10. Stone Bridge – Last season: 8-5 (Lost in VHSL Class 5 state final)

Mickey Thompson steps down as head coach of the Bulldogs and is replaced by former Washington Commander defensive lineman Kedric Golston. No matter the coach, Stone Bridge looks to continue to be a perennial powerhouse program in 2024.

Honorable mention:

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